Women power in Audio-Bohol

Bohol Governor Arthur C. Yap is flanked by figures of women empowerment in the Audio-Bohol: incoming president Ma. Lydia D. Bantugan of the Department of Agrarian Reform – Bohol and outgoing president Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao – Gabin of the City Government of Tagbilaran.

Former Tagbilaran City beauty queen and information officer of the City Government of Tagbilaran  Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao - Gabin turned over the leadership  as  president of the Association of United Development Information Officers (Audio) – Bohol to Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Bohol’s Ma. Lydia "Merly" Diez- Bantugan. 

The simple but meaningful ceremonies was held at the newly-opened Green Thumb Farm Al Fresco Resto in Purok 4, Barangay Sambog, Corella identified as one of the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) -7 learning sites for agriculture, as well as tourism bubble destinations in Bohol owned by Jares and Rona M. Denque.

Fiel, who served as Audio president for two years, was thankful for her “purposeful, fruitful, colorful, and insightful service as president. 

She challenged her information officer-colleagues to be creative by doing concerted efforts and actions that transcend beyond the “usual” talking and exchanging updates in one’s comfort zones, as information to be shared should not only be confined or limited to those from or about the LGUs and NGAs, but most importantly, about necessary or critical information that can inspire and motivate the human spirit and even help save lives, especially during this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Merly, for her part, encouraged fellow officers to cooperate and work hard for the attainment of the mission of Audio-Bohol by cascading information from the local government units and national government agencies in Bohol. 

She also formally requested the provincial government of Bohol, through Governor Arthur Yap, who graced the occasion as inducting officer, to provide an office space for Audio-Bohol at the Old Provincial Capitol Building where the Audio-Bohol members can converge and share updates during the monthly meetings, as well as keep records.

Gov. Yap told the information officers that “You are a very important sector to our province in these critical times. Your work is to inform, to educate, to inspire, to raise the people's consciousness on issues, this need not be belabored". 

He expressed gratitude and pride to have been invited to administer the oath of the incoming officers who are tasked to steer the direction of the group that is committed to disseminate news about the development and progress in Bohol. 

The governor also reminded the Audio officers, as development information officers of the province, not to be swayed by news that are fake, unimportant, and has leaning toward discrimination.  

Back in 1999, there used to be two organizations of information officers (IOs) in Bohol: the Bohol Association of Public Information Officers (BAPIO) composed of IOs from the local government units (LGUs); and the Association of Government Public Information Officers (AGPIO) with IOs from the national government agencies (NGAs) as members. 

Then came the time when the two groups were merged to establish what is now known as the Association of United Development Information Officers (Audio) in Bohol committed to cascade developmental information. 

The group has expanded its membership and strengthened itself to become one of the most active, if not the most cohesive group of information officers in Central Visayas. 

One of the many factors of this is the many years of support and guidance of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Bohol serving as convenor, under the guidance of different information center managers. 

For years, the Audio-Bohol has been working in tandem with the PIA-Bohol which is being housed at the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Building at K of Drive, Barangay Poblacion 2, Tagbilaran City.

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Fashion designer Aileen Pasagad celebrates 'lonely birthday'

Fashion designer Aileen Pasagad 

celebrates 'lonely birthday'

No roses, no candles, no cotillion. None of such traditional practices when a woman spends her 50th "debut," her celebration of   achievement and the blessing to start new venture of life. 

Fashion designer Aileen Sendrijas Pasagad turned 50 last Sunday (May 9) and, as she told VRS weeks ago, “I’m having a grand party. Please come."

Initially, Aileen wanted to celebrate her special day with an Oscar-themed party. But had to scrap it due to the pandemic. Plan B was to celebrate with a handful family friends. 

She ended up celebrating with her family...at home.

Aileeen is a descendant of Francisco Sendrijas, better known as "Francisco Dagohoy," a significant historical figure in Bohol. 

She was born in Inabanga town, but love brought her to Bilar town as the wife of  Zosimo Pasagad, a seafarer. 

Family: where love emanates. Aileen Sendrijas Pasagad with daughter Jesseth and sons Jairus and Josh.

Their union produced three offsprings: daughter Jesseth Nez, a petroleum engineer who was Miss Bohol 2018 3rd Runner-up and is now the Operations Engineer at the Malampaya Offshore Platform of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., and sons- Jairus Zim and Josh Ron Zimon, still students.

Aileen started designing gowns for her dear daughter when she joined beauty pageants and eventually decided to make designing a full-time business that is the "Aileen Pasagad Couture", after taking a short course at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP) - Cebu. 

From having highly-satisfied clients, she is now the fastest-rising designer in Bohol.

This year 2021 would have been her most meaningful as she was excitedly looking forward to her 50th birthday celebration, with preparations made to make it special and memorable.

It took time for the family to step back and assess the situation since recently, Bohol has been having a sudden surge in the COVID-19 positive cases, with 50% coming from Tagbilaran, with the number expected to rise, especially with the coming month-long fiesta season in Bohol. 

Considering that Tagbilaran City has become the COVID hotspot in the province, the family decided that organizing a birthday celebration in this crucial time is a careless and insensitive move and in case a guest tests positive, attendees will all be close contacts, resulting to the crippling of the local fashion and events industry, as people would be required to undergo quarantine. 

What would have been an “Oscar’s Night”-inspired party showcasing the glamor of Hollywood last May 9 was cancelled as a responsible decision for the health and safety of everyone. But it didn’t stop the family from having an intimate gathering attended by family and close associates that will be an offshoot to the grand 50+1 celebration next year, God willing.

Aileen found a “new family” in the Bohol Designers’ Circle (BDC) with Ladoi Aquino, Christian Bustrillos, Christian Relator, Bebei Tagoctoc, Ryan Sadudaquil, Nikki Simporios, Kim Villamor, and Charlowe Arbasto.

What is her ultimate 50th birthday wish? 

"I wish the COVID-19 pandemic to finally end, so we can all reconnect with our loved ones and share meals with friends without fear of getting sick," she said. 

What is her plan for the next years? 

"I also wish to stay healthy in the next years of my life, so I can continue to support my children in their dreams and see them grow into successful adults. Having a healthy mind and body will also allow me to run my business more passionately," Aileen said. 

"Lastly, I wish that I can continue to provide my clients with the best service," she added. 

 

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Virtual Saulog King & Queen 2021 winners bared

The judges of Virtual Saulog Tagbilaran Festival King and Queen 2021 helping promote a “safe” festival following COVID-19 protocols (left to right) - CCCA’s Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao-Gabin, SMART communications’ Jennie Lagura, Fr. Val Pinlac, IBEX’s Jamm Mandado, and CCCA’s Jeycelle C. Espejo - Inting.

For the past years, Saulog Tagbilaran, a festival that expresses thanksgiving to G-d through Saint Joseph the Worker, the City’s patron saint, has drawn thousands of local and foreign tourists who witnessed its grandeur and prestige.  

More than anything, it showcased the talent and creativity of the city’s 15 barangays. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a twist to the approach of how the celebration was conducted this 2021. 

Donald Jack Gibb is  Virtual Saulog Festival King 2021. 

Government authorities and event organizers, rightly prioritizing citizens’ health, are keen to give life to a low-key, but meaningful festival.

After a year’s hiatus brought about by the pandemic, Saulog Tagbilaran this year was totally different from what locals and visitors were accustomed to. 

The greatest challenge was to be more creative in how festivities were done to make Saulog a “safe” festival as it has gone “virtual”. 

All performers observed standard health and safety protocols to prevent the virus from spreading. Likewise, it showcased colorful costumes and props and synchronized dance routines of the performers.  

Kudos to the City Government of Tagbilaran, through the Saulog Tagbilaran Executive Committee 2021 led by Mayor John Geesnell Yap II as overall chair; Mutya sa Tagbilaran Committee chaired by First Lady Jane Yap; and the City Events, Culture, and Arts Office (CECAO) headed by Joseph Alexis Cadelina for coming up with the Virtual Saulog Tagbilaran Festival King and Queen 2021 which invaded the social media as it beautifully portrayed the religious, cultural and tourism values and inculcated positivity amidst the pandemic without sacrificing people’s safety, as well as strengthened the Tagbilaranon’s culture of resilience through the arts.

Camille Joyce Resane is Virtual Saulog Festival Queen 2021

 

Taloto’s Donald Jack Gibb was adjudged Virtual Saulog Festival King 2021, while Ubujan’s Camille Joyce Resane was proclaimed Virtual Saulog Festival Queen 2021.

 Following closely were Cabawan’s Forrest Earl Todd, Jr. (1st Runner-up) and Poblacion 2’s Sean Rey Tupaz (2nd Runner-up) for the Saulog Festival King, while for the Saulog Festival Queen, Taloto’s Kyra Hopkins was 1st Runner-up and Poblacion 2’s Claire Ann Virtudazo was 2nd Runner-up.

The special awards went to Dao’s Johnjay Karaan as Mr. Ibex, Taloto’s Kyra Hopkins as Miss Ibex, and Ubujan’s Rj Dominic Amores and Camile Joyce Resane as Mr. and Miss Smart.

Tagbilaran City Livelihood Development Unit Consultant Rev. Fr. Valentino Pinlac chaired the panel of judges, with IBEX Operations Manager Jamm Mandado, SMART Communication’s Jennie Lagura, Miss Tagbilaran 1987 and City Council for Culture and the Arts Secretary (CCCA) Fiel Angeli E. Araoarao-Gabin, and CCCA Treasurer and Mutya sa Tagbilaran resident judge Jeycelle C. Espejo - Inting as members.

 

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So long Sir Ricky, my idol and mentor

Vanessa Aumentado, Marisa Cartoneros, Rep. Edgar Chatto, Balilihan Mayor Pureza Chatto and Chatto and Veloso families have fond memories of veteran journalist Ricky Lo.

"Kumusta na ang society chronicler ng Bohol?" 

That was how veteran entertainment editor and TV host Ricky Lo greeted me everytime we saw each other in Bohol and some instances at The Philippine Star Office in the Port Area in Manila. 

Sir Ricky was one of the few journalists whom I looked up to as my idol, mentor, and friend.  

Ricky Lo is Ricky Lo.  He was revered and feared in the industry that his "Funfare" was the column to be in. To be mentioned in his column (which I was mentioned countless times) meant pride or humiliation, depending on how he chose to write about the celebrity.

I am his fan forever. In fact, his "Funfare" column was the first section in the paper I read first. For generations, many Filipinos got their fix of the day’s entertainment news from him. 

As a Funfare contributor until 2014,  I missed Sir Ricky’s call and text asking for showbiz scoop since there were many celebrities who visited Bohol. 

"Leo, totoo ba nandiyan ba si ___?  Kasama si ___?" he asked. 

He encouraged me to write articles and even gave me tips. 

Even when I started my column "True"  in the now defunct “The Bohol Sunday Post” for years (and transfered to The Bohol Chronicle with my "Bared" and later to "VRS"), I usually compare my style of writing as similar to that of Ricky Lo that it earned me the monicker the "Ricky Lo of Bohol."

When my articles were published in The Philippine Star, he kept my cheques in his wallet until he could give it to me personally. 

The year 2009 was my most memorable year with  Sir Ricky. He was in Bohol for a vacation  with his friend and fellow journalist Raoul Tidalgo. (He was a family friend of the Veloso, Chatto and Castillon families). We spent the day talking about the ins and outs of showbiz, blind items and sundry and we laughed out hard. 

Sir Ricky was very instrumental in promoting Bohol to the world in his widely read column in the Star. 

We exchanged text messages as I gave my feedback on "Star Talk" ,  where he was one of the mainstay hosts. Then, "Showbiz Stripped" which metamorphosed into "The Ricky Lo Exclusives" that lasted for almost four years. 

One time, I decided to visit him at the Philippine Star at the Port Area Manila. He and other staff members (former associate entertainment editor Maridol Bismark, Jerry Donato and Bum Tenorio) were busy for the deadline. But Sir Ricky had time for a chit chat. The good part was I didn't left the office empty handed! Sir Ricky gave me some pasalubong items including his book "Conversations with Ricky Lo" which became my guide on how to handle interviews and write feature stories. 

Sir Ricky was all that — and more.

Your VRS with veteran journalist Ricky Lo.

Several years ago, I pitched about the plight of child star Rebecca "Bikay" Lusterio (who starred in Muro Ami and Panaghoy Sa Suba where she won several accolades including Best Child Actress and Best Supporting Actress) who wanted to study in college.

Bikay told me she might not be able to go to college due to financial constraints. At that time, she had a brother who was still studying in college and she felt she maybe an additional burden to the family if she wished to pursue her dreams.

Bikay helped her poor family and financed her way through high school by selling seashells on Alona Beach. 

I told Sir Ricky about it and he wrote it in his column. Several scholarships were offered to Rebecca who preferred to study at Colegio de San Juan de Letran as a full-time academic scholar until she graduated in college. 

"Magsulat ka Leo about Bikay. Daming nakagusto sa story niya," he told me. He admired Bikay's natural acting, humility and unassuming ways. 

And everytime I wrote about Bikay and her activities, Sir Ricky was always kind to give  space in the paper. 

When Bikay graduated in college, she went to Philippine Star to personally thank Sir Ricky for all his kindness. Sir Ricky told me he was touched by Bikay's gesture. 

That was Sir Ricky. With him, it was always kindness and friendship. He was that generous, very giving in every way, whether with his time, materials things and friendship.

Thank you Sir Ricky. 

You will always remain in our hearts and you will be constantly thought of with fondness and deep love.

Rest in peace Sir Ricky, Gan Eden welcomes you. 

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Fiesta fanfare greatly missed

No fanfare, no banderitas. May 1 is the start of merry month,  fiestas are much more than just a good time. Their absence is deeply felt amid the stress of the pandemic. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Saturday's fiesta was indeed a sad day for candle vendor Mara Valmoria. 

Valmoria, 25, found no reason to celebrate since she is one of the millions who were crippled financially due to the pandemic. 

"Only a few are coming to church to attend masses," she said. 

Selling candles at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran City is the only way to support their hand to mouth. 

Before the pandemic, she went to different towns where fiestas were held for a living. It was the life of the fiesta.

She said she received fiesta invitations from acquaintances where she could eat for free in different houses. 

Fiesta in Bohol is characterized with abundance of food, drink and music.

"And I can bring" bringhouse" too given by the house owners, " she recalled. 

But when pandemic started last year, Valmoria felt the impact- drastic loss of livelihood and invitations. 

For the second time, Tagbilaran closed its borders to all visitors on May 1, in time of the city fiesta celebration. Police were assigned at the borders to check those who traveled to the city. Only those residents, frontliners, workers, businessmen and with emergency cases were allowed to enter. 

Present! (From left to right) Radio personality Edward Guyano, your VRS, actress and performer Scarlet, Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, fashion icon Maximiel and media assistant Helen Castano have observed social distancing during the feast at Espejo-Araoarao residence in Cogon village, Tagbilaran City. Contributed Photos 

In this province of Bohol where majority is Catholic,  May 1 is city's fiesta in honor of St. Joseph the Worker.  It also starts the merry month of May wherein fiesta is held every day in Bohol.

The travel restriction is to curb the spread of the coronavirus. People from other towns usually come to Tagbilaran to attend fiesta and stroll in malls.

A week before the fiesta, the province lacked the fiesta ambience.

The fanfare was to a certain level silent and somber as it is mostly virtual,  following physical distancing protocols.

The streets and highways were almost empty with less vehicles. Malls - Alturas Mall, Plaza Marcela, Island City Mall and BQ Mall- were closed to prevent people from gathering to keep people immobile at home.

Tagbilaran resident Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin, 51, cancelled the feast  because of the surging COVID-19 cases. 

“I missed those times that friends come to the house for the vesperas dinner. Everything is sad and controlled now," said Gabin, a government employee.

Before, Gabin said that the weekend before May 1, she and her family were supposedly busy for the general cleaning of the house in preparation for the fiesta.

She said they would hire additional people to do the house cleaning, marketing, cooking, serving food and dishwashing, a week before the fiesta or else it's hard to find someone to do the work.

If her house is open to her friends, relatives and even strangers during fiestas, this time it was closed.

She just prepared a small feast for the family as a thanksgiving to St. Joseph the Worker even the ambiance is totally different.

Tagbilaran City has a total 257 active COVID-19 cases, the locality that has the most number of cases in the province. Bohol has 873 active cases and  41 deaths.

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So long, Capt. Olano

Thank you for your bravery. Capt. Aurelios Olano and wife Lowella with Bohol 3rd district Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor and Candijay Mayor Christopher Tutor. Photos: Rep. Alexie Tutor Facebook

Capt. Aurelios Olaso Olano of the Philippine Air Force was killed while three others were hurt when their helicopter crashed last Tuesday morning in the waters off Jandayan Island in Getafe town. 

Olano, 32, was still strapped in his seat when fishermen found him shortly after the MD 520 helicopter of the PAF crashed in the seawaters off Jandayan  around 9:45 a. m. during a routine aerial demonstration training flight. 

Fishermen also rescued Olano's three companions who managed to jump out of the helicopter before it hit the water. 

Based on the accounts of the  fishermen who saw the incident, the helicopter nosedived into the sea and then submerged. The three soldiers survived the incident.

Olano's family and friends paid tribute to the pilot shortly after news of his death came out.

"Anon's humble attitude and ideals have inspired a stronger approach to my work. He is the kindest yet principled person I have ever known," according to  his cousin, Jeryl Lacang-Fuentes, Candijay disaster and risk reduction management officer.

Olano, the eldest in a brood of three,  hailed from Barangay Tugas in Candijay town where his parents - Sancho and Marina Olano, a village chair- lived.

He just recently got married to Lowella, a nurse. 

Bohol 3rd district Representative Alexie Besas-Tutor said "Olano's bravery and 

 service to his countrymen is boundless."

"Candijay’’s Angel Above the Skies... Gone too soon but forever remembered in all the hearts of all Candijaynon. We grieved as one as another fallen hero takes his place in the comforting arms of our Almighty," Tutor said in her Facebook. 

Olano was the PAF helicopter pilot during the Marawi seige in May 2017. 

He decided to transfer to Cebu to be close to his family in Bohol. 

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Community pantries in Bohol: Caring for others

At least 2,000 people queued at a community pantry at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran City, Bohol for Thursday's opening. The beneficiaries are hoping to get some foods and goods for their families.  Photos:  Leo Udtohan

Mercy Tapia had to endure the long que during Thursday's opening of the Bohol Community Pantry at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in this city.

At least 2,000 beneficiaries hoped to get some foods and goods for their families.

Tapia, 42, a wife of a fisherman, said the inclement weather in the past days due to typhoon Bising left her and her family struggling for food. 

"Lisud jud kaayo rung panahuna kusog ang hangin mao wala nakapanagat," said Tapia, a mother of one.

When she heard that the church had a community pantry, she came early two hours before the scheduled opening at 1:30 p. m. 

However, it started late when some residents failed to follow protocols. Some volunteers had a hard time asking residents to observe social distancing. 

The crowd behaved when Bishop Abet Uy politely asked them to follow safety protocols. 

Bishop Abet Uy with Tagbilaran City's First Lady Jane Yap during the opening of Bohol Community Pantry at St. Joseph Cathedral. Photo: Leo Udtohan

 "Pero we are happy nakahimo ta sa atong adjustments with the help of our volunteers  nahan-ay ra ang mga tawo ming-behave rapud sila nga dili na magduol kaayo bitaw. Kay mao man atong worry nga pagpig-it tungod kay naa tay virus gilikayan," Bishop Uy said. 

The prelate said they hopefully can come up with a better plan or system that safety protocols would be observed. 

The Church’s pantry is providing free rice, eggs, instant noodles, vegetables, fruits and other basic necessities. There is also free porridge and pancakes from "Gugma Tagbilaran Mobile Kusina," a project of Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Yap. 

The public could also donate goods or cash for the people who were in need.

Tapia was able to get rice, eggs, vegetables and fruits.  She also received free porridge and pancakes. 

"Dako jud kaayo ni natabang namo, salamat kaayo," said Tapia. 

Bishop Uy said community pantries not only provide the needs of our less-fortunate countrymen but it also unite people to share the love of G-d. 

He said pantries also build empathy by engaging meaningfully with others, being aware of other people's needs, and being kind to others and ourselves. 

"There will be a big impact not only  to the poor but also to the rich people who are given the opportunity to help and share the blessings they have. This is also an eye- opener that we need to help each other in order to survive the pandemic," he said. 

The "Gugma Tagbilaran Mobile Kusina," a project of Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Yap. Photo: Leo Udtohan

 

Giving has surged during the coronavirus crisis.  In Bohol, several community pantries have sprouted in Tagbilaran, Alona Beach in Panglao, Jagna and Talibon towns. 

Businesswoman Meg Raynaldo, owner of the D'Box in Tagbilaran City, also set up her own Paw Pantry to give free food to cats and dogs. 

Charity is not limited to gifts of money. Sharing time, expertise, or even a kind smile are all forms of charity. Nothing in your pocket? Show some empathy. 

No matter how much you were blessed with, you can always share with others.

It makes sense: you take care of others, and G‑d takes care of you.

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